Order & Ostentation
Date and Time
Wednesday Oct 5, 2022 Tuesday Nov 1, 2022
Daily through October
Location
Old Town Hall
Derby Street
Salem MA
Fees/Admission
Private session pricing - the more friends you bring, the more you save!
Individual $40
2-3 people $65
4-5 people $85
6-8 people $110
9-12 people $150
Tickets available on Eventbrite
Website
Contact Information
Linda Mullen
Description
This fall, we are pleased to present, "Order & Ostentation," an immersive environment for selfies and photos that draws inspiration from the story of Salem’s Elizabeth Derby West.
Born in 1762, Elizabeth Derby West was not in danger of being accused of witchcraft like her Puritan forebears. She was, however, accused of being, "vain," "capricious," and "ostentatious," likely because she put up an unconventional and scandalous fight to keep her inheritance during divorice proceedings with her adultering husband.
Perhaps her ostentation in clothing grew from the same feistiness it took to stand up for herself in court in spite of what they said about her in the streets. We like to think there is a connection.
We invite you to explore this new photoshoot setting featuring two different immersive environments with multiple staging opportunities. The first environment welcomes you into an ornate but crumbling 1800s parlour where a woman’s influence and authority were alive - but only within those walls. Outside of the home, you’ll find a series of highly stylized, black & white backdrops inspired by city streets, civic spaces, religious buildings of Elizabeth Derby West’s day: all symbols of lines that could not be crossed, boxes that could not be broken.
These well-appointed rooms and black and white backdrops beg to be overrun with joyful riotous color by those brave enough to be a little vain, a little ostentatious! We have a collection of Grace & Diggs headpieces in gorgeous colors and outrageous shapes for you to wear as you snap selfies, spurn social order, and give voice to your inner grit and gumption. All headpieces and props are hand-crafted by Grace & Diggs from recycled materials.
All individual, group, professional photographer, and venue-rental sessions include access to both interactive sets, headpieces and accessories, props, and selfie technology. Reservations may be booked on Eventbrite or with affiliated event partners.